Skip to main content

Lentil Taco Filling

A tasty alternative to meat or fish tacos that provides a filling rich in flavor.
Bowl of seasoned lentils with vegetables garnished with cilantro.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
1 clove garlic, minced or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup dried lentils, rinsed
4 ½ teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon oregano (optional)
1 ¼ cups low-sodium broth (any flavor)
½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.

  3. In a large skillet, heat oil on medium. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic. Sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the lentils, chili powder, cumin and oregano, if desired. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
  5. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover the skillet and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes for brown lentils. Add water if necessary to keep the lentils just covered with liquid.
  6. Uncover the skillet and cook until the mixture thickens and most of the water is gone, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add salt, if desired.
  7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Use for tacos, wraps or salad.
  • Different types of lentils have different cooking times. Check the package or bulk bin for how long to cook the type you buy.

Comments

This recipe is a perfect intro recipe to lentils for someone just starting to use lentils. This taco filling gives off such a great flavor. This was a great vegetarian taco filling option. This recipe also pairs well with the Food Hero Pico De Gallo salsa recipe!

A great vegetarian dish to have for several nights of varied uses.

A great way to use lentils and super low cost dinner!  Was easy too, and i got it cooking first and then had the perfect amout of time to prep the rest of the meal - we made tostadas.  I put a layer of lentils down on the tostada first and then topped with beans and cheese and veggie, and the kids ate every bite...

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Stuffed Peppers with Turkey and Vegetables
Platter of multicolored baked bell peppers stuffed with ground turkey, vegetables and mushrooms.

Stuffed Peppers with Turkey and Vegetables

Colorful bell peppers filled with ground turkey, fresh vegetables and delicious Italian flavors.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
90 minutes
Makes:
6 Pepper Halves
Glazed Squash
Baked crescent shaped acorn squash slices sprinkled with seasoning.

Glazed Squash

A simple, 3-ingredient recipe for any type of winter squash.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Banana Boats
Grilled bananas topped with pineapple and shredded coconut shown on a serving platter.

Banana Boats

Try this tasty and healthy campfire treat. A fun recipe for kids to help make!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 banana
Sautéed Peppers
Bowl of tender bell pepper and onion slices.

Sautéed Peppers

These sauteed sweet peppers and onions are delicious enjoyed on their own, added to sandwiches or pasta, or with fajitas.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Curried Pumpkin Soup
Bowls of pumpkin mushroom soup garnished with chives.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

A one-pot recipe with creamy pumpkin and warming spices is ready in under an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Corn Pancakes
Round, golden corn pancakes displayed on a skillet and plate.

Corn Pancakes

A delicious savory alternative to traditional pancakes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 6-inch pancakes